UK Locality Joins
Others In Banning Genetically Modified Crops
(Beyond Pesticides, August 6, 2003) Another
locality in England, East Riding of Yorkshire, has voted to prohibit
genetically modified (GM) organisms, joining local authorities around
the country responding to public concerns about the effects of eating
and cultivating GM crops. East Riding, in northwest England, voted to
ensure no GM crops are grown on land it controls; to adopt a GM-free
policy barring GM ingredients and derivatives from its goods and services;
and to approach the Secretary of State for the Environment to request
legal protection for the area under EU legislation.

Friends of the Earth,
who is campaigning for a GM-free Britain, welcomed the vote, which was
passed unopposed. East Riding of Yorkshire follows the lead of Cornwall,
Cumbria, Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Somerset,
South Gloucestershire, the Lake District National Park and the Welsh
National Assembly in similar actions. Several district and town councils
have also voted to go GM-free.

Campaigners in East
Riding raised concerns about the long-term impacts of GM food and crops
on our health and environment, and on the threat to local organic and
non-GM farmers. A government-sponsored review of GM science published
in July admitted to a number of uncertainties and gaps in our knowledge.
The Government's review of GM economics concluded there was little short-term
market for GM food, while its long-term prospects were equally bleak
if the public continued to reject GM food.

"This is great
news for people in the East Riding who are rightly concerned about the
impact of GM crops and food," said Friends of the Earth campaigns
director Mike Childs. "Up and down the country local authorities
are sending a clear message to the Government that they do not want
GM. It is now up to Tony Blair to listen to what the country is saying
and ensure Britain remains GM-free."

"This is a
fantastic result. We are very pleased and relieved that this will free
us from the threat of GM crops being grown in the area," said East
Riding organic grower and anti-GM campaigner Dr Gwen Eggington. "It
means that organic and non-GM agriculture in this area will have a chance
to flourish."

Following
is the full text of the motion, which passed unanimously on July 30,
2003 in East Riding of Yorkshire.

1. That this Council
notes the increased public concerns about the effects of the cultivation
and consumption of Genetically Modified (GM) products

2. Council commits
to:
-- Requesting the Secretary of State for Agriculture to provide legal
protection for the East Riding as a GM-free area, in line with Article
19 of 2001/18/EC, and Subject to the Council having the necessary legal
powers;
-- Ensuring that no GM crops are grown on land over which it has control;
and,
-- Adopting a GM-free policy, which bars all GM ingredients, derivatives,
and the produce of GM-fed animals from all goods and services for which
this Council is responsible.
-- Acting in an advisory capacity to inform its residents of the issues
relating to GM produces.
3. That the Director of Law, Administration, Planning and Property reports
back to The Cabinet on this matter.